Ellen pays it forward - and then some

The talk show host reached out to Sarah Hoidahl in Concord, New Hampshire, on Friday, after she heard that the server recently picked up the lunch tab for two National Guard soldiers affected by the U.S. government's shutdown.

Ellen was so touched by news of Sarah's kind gesture, which saw her pay the soldiers' $27.25 lunch bill, that she presented her with a cheque for $10,000 on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show'.

She also reimbursed her for the bill and gave her a brand new 50-inch TV.

Upon receiving the gifts, Sarah repeatedly told the presenter: "You're a good person".

Ellen, who is married to 'Arrested Development' star Portia De Rossi, is well known for her charity work.

Earlier this year she joined forces with Randy Jackson to host a star-studded gala to help Brad Pitt's charity, Make It Right, which aims to help residents of New Orleans, who lost their homes during Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Ellen has also donated more than $2m to the organisation.

The 55-year-old star and her actress wife recently sold their equestrian ranch in Thousand Oaks, California, for $10.85m.